Have you ever noticed tiny black spots or specks floating in your vision? If yes, then you have seen eye floaters. Eye floaters are tiny specks or spots that drift across your field of vision. They can move when your eyes move and usually appear to dart away when you try to look at them directly.
What Are Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are made up of tiny clumps of cells or protein that form in the vitreous, the jelly-like substance that fills the back of your eye. When light enters your eye, it passes through the vitreous and casts a shadow on your retina, the light-sensitive tissue at the back of your eye. This is what causes the little black spots you see in your vision.
Who Gets Eye Floaters?
Eye floaters are common and can affect people of all ages, but they are more common in people over the age of 50. As you get older, the vitreous in your eye becomes more liquid and can shrink or pull away from the retina. This can cause the clumps of cells or protein to become more visible and appear as floaters in your vision.
What Causes Eye Floaters?
Aside from age-related changes to the vitreous, eye floaters can also be caused by a number of other factors. These include:
- Eye infection or inflammation
- Eye injury or trauma
- Diabetes
- Eye tumors
- Migraine headaches
When Should I Be Concerned About Eye Floaters?
Most eye floaters are harmless and don't require treatment. However, if you suddenly start seeing a lot of floaters or flashes of light, it could be a sign of a more serious problem such as a tear in the retina or a retinal detachment. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see an eye doctor immediately:
- A sudden increase in the number of floaters you see
- Flashes of light in your vision
- A loss of peripheral vision
- A curtain-like shadow across your vision
How Are Eye Floaters Treated?
Most eye floaters do not require treatment and will eventually go away on their own. However, if they are causing significant vision problems or are interfering with your daily activities, your eye doctor may recommend one of the following treatments:
- Laser therapy
- Vitrectomy
- Medication
- Eye drops
Can Eye Floaters Be Prevented?
Eye floaters cannot be completely prevented, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk of developing them. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Wearing protective eyewear
- Getting regular eye exams
The Bottom Line
Eye floaters are a common and usually harmless condition that can be annoying but do not require treatment. However, if you suddenly start seeing a lot of floaters or flashes of light, it could be a sign of a more serious problem and you should see an eye doctor immediately. While you cannot completely prevent eye floaters, taking care of your eyes and getting regular eye exams can help reduce your risk of developing them.